To see the latest Socceroos portrait session...
       

To see the Socceroos train on Thursday...
      

Kewell's fitness for the World Cup has become a national obsession in the past few weeks with national coach Pim Verbeek asked about the Socceroos striker's recovery from a groin injury on an almost daily basis.

However, Verbeek will hope that some of those questions will have been put to rest as Kewell trained strongly at St Stithians in Johannesburg on Thursday.

The dynamic striker, lauded by Verbeek for his special qualities, has only played a handful of minutes for club side Galatasaray this year after having surgery in January.

Until now, he has only been partaking in light running and training drills on his own when in camp with the Socceroos.

But Thursday's appearance was a significant milestone for 31-year-old, and a boost for his team-mates, 10 days out from the first match.

"He looked good, and hopefully he can stay with us because he's an important player for our team," midfielder Vince Grella said.

"I've seen him training, I've seen how much work he puts in and I'm not surprised at all."

Brett Emerton remains the only other injury concern for Verbeek, with the midfielder missing training again with a calf injury.

To see the latest Socceroos portrait session...
        

To see the Socceroos train on Thursday...